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Topic: Removing a large hive from a tree (Read 1784 times)

I have been given permission to remove a hive from a tree on public property. The hive is hanging from a limb with nothing under it, so it is OK access. It is about the size of a Harley Davidson tire. Do I just detach it from the limb and drop it into a plastic bag and rehive it at the bee yard? Or do I cut some comb put it in empty frames, try for the queen and put the nuc next to it? There is no power so I can't use my bee vac.

Yeah, we do several open air colony removals every year...just finished one a couple of days ago in fact. It's almost always best to remove them comb by comb, if feasible, to reduce the chance of injuring the queen or other bees for that matter. If they are small enough to move the whole thing and they are located in a tough spot to work or there are public safety issues it might be best to move the whole thing and deal with it back in a bee yard though.

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

I have made some new swarm catchers for just this situation.. I have taken 5 Gal. water jugs, cut out the bottom used pvc fittings to close off the neck, ending up with 1 1/4 female in the neck, using 1 1/4 pvc pipe to extend up as high as needed. slip the open end over the swarm and move it up sharply and bees fall into the water jug . Off to the hive, turn it right side up, dumping the bee's in to it... JPP

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Scott, here are pic's of my swarm catcher, would have gotten back sooner , but you know how that goes..JPP

comes with (2) 5 foot sections of 1 1/4 gray PVC the white PVC deteriorates too fast. poles slip together so can be removed for storage and removing to place bees in hive, has handle on side for easy pouring of bees into hive, works great and easily...JPP

Bud, with the 1 1/4 inch PVC you can extend it as far up as you have sections. The sections of PVC all have coupler ends so fit together .Have the ability to remove as much as you want to or take off down to the jug to release the bees. the pole you have is too long to drop bees into hive, but with mine while I am taking to hive I am removing sections of "pole" 5ive or ten feet at a time and then with the side handle pour bees into hive ..Smooth. JPP